Grounds Person

Grounds Person

EIT | Te Pūkenga is proud to celebrate 50 years of service to Te Matau-a-Māui and Tairāwhiti. We have a long-standing commitment to supporting the success and wellbeing of ākonga, whānau, and our wider communities. Founded on strong relationships with iwi, hapū, industry, and business, we’re a trusted regional partner delivering quality learning that reflects the aspirations of our people. Our campuses and regional centres are places of belonging, learning, and innovation. As we look ahead to the next 50 years and beyond, we focussed on empowering Ākonga to realise and exceed their potential.

Our values underpin everything we do:

• Herea te tangata – value and respect others.
• Herea te mana – uphold dignity and the mana of others.
• Herea te pono – act with integrity.
• Herea tō momoho – pursue success.

Marking our 50th anniversary as a significant milestone, we’re now looking to the future, inviting driven, innovative thinkers to join our whānau and help shape the next chapter of our story.

We offer more than just a day job, rather, we offer the chance to grow and thrive. You’ll have access professional development, stretch projects, and pathways for formal study and research. We support your growth with great tools, strong workplace culture, and flexible working options. You’ll enjoy our stunning Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti campuses, with onsite cafés, and wellbeing benefits including EAP, fitness subsidies, volunteering opportunities, and more.

To support our garden kaupapa, we are searching for a Grounds Person

• Location: Taradale, Hawkes Bay
• Team: Facilities
• Arrangement: Permanent, Full-time
• Reporting to: Grounds Team Lead and the Facilities Manager

The Grounds Person plays a key role in strengthening our wellbeing and safety practices by maintaining a clean, safe, and vibrant campus environment.
This role contributes to the overall success of EIT through the upkeep of high-quality outdoor spaces that support ākonga success, enhance staff and visitor experience, and reflect pride in our shared learning environment.

To succeed in this role, you’ll need:

• Hands-on experience in garden maintenance, including using machinery and hand tools.
• Strong organizational skills to follow and contribute to the grounds maintenance plan.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative while maintaining high standards.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to engage with staff, students, and visitors.
• A positive attitude and cultural awareness, especially an appreciation for Māori language and culture.
• Experience (or clear knowledge of) upholding and advancing Te Tiriti o Waitangi in your mahi.
• Experience (or clear knowledge of) upholding and advancing ākonga success, wellbeing and experience.
• Experience (or clear knowledge of) supporting equity, inclusion and recognition, particularly for Māori, Pacific, and disabled ākonga and their whānau.
• An understanding of the role of vocational education and training in meeting the needs of our regional communities, employers and industries.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in kaupapa-driven environments, building strong relationships across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• A growth mindset, with a focus on continuous improvement, innovation, and reflective practice.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience by clicking ‘’. This will link you through to this role on our careers site. If you have any questions, please email: [email protected].

Ngā mihi, we appreciate the time you’ve taken to learn more about us and encourage you to apply if this opportunity aligns with your skills, values, and aspirations. Join us in shaping the future of education in Te Matau-a-Māui and Tairāwhiti, where your mahi can make a lasting impact for ākonga, whānau, and communities.